$17 million for housing projects in Williamstown, Pittsfield

A regional housing agency has received state financing valued at nearly $17 million toward the construction of senior housing in Williamstown and rehabilitation of an affordable housing complex in Pittsfield.

Berkshire Housing Development Corp. has secured $2.67 million in capital funds from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to help pay for the 40-unit Highland Woods senior housing project, according to state and local housing officials. In addition, BHDC was awarded federal housing tax credits that will generate an estimated $5.4 million in equity for the overall $12.6 million project, said BHDC Executive Director Elton Ogden. The 40-unit development is planned for land being donated by Williams College, near the Williamstown Elementary School.

BHDC, in partnership with Rees-Larkin Development, has also received $2 million in state capital money along with federal and state housing tax credits worth up to $7.7 million in equity. Ogden said that money will be invested in the $12.6 million purchase and upgrade of the 100-unit Dalton Apartments in Pittsfield. Rees-Larkin is the Boston development firm that created the 45-unit Rice Silk Mill Apartments that opened in Pittsfield in September 2012.

Ogden said permanent loans and other funding sources will be used to round out the financing for both Dalton Apartments and Highland Woods.

The two Berkshire affordable housing projects are among the 24 across Massachusetts receiving a total of $83.

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6 million in state funding to create or refurbish 1,328 units.

Highland Woods is primarily aimed to help residents being forced to leave the Spruces Mobile Home Park, which was heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011.

Local housing officials have noted the remaining 90 tenants have until early 2016 to vacate the complex, which catered to people 55 and older. In all, 300 residents occupied Spruces prior to Irene, with some already moved into housing elsewhere in town or outside the community.

Williamstown solidified its commitment to the project in late June when the Board of Selectmen authorized the release of $2.6 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency money toward Highland Woods. The FEMA money represents a portion of a grant meant to relocate residents of Spruces. Williamstown voters already had agreed to grant $250,000 from the town's Community Preservation Fund toward the project,

"[The Patrick Administration] has been a steadfast supporter of our recovery efforts to provide homes for as many Spruces families as possible, as well as other deserving seniors," said Town Manager Peter Fohlin in prepared remarks. "This project is only possible thanks to the committed partnership of private developers, town funding, and state financial and technical support."

The technical support coming in the form of a $305,000 state pre-development loan for the design of the project. BHDC's development of Highland Woods is being assisted by a pair of nonprofits: Williamstown Elder Housing Corp. and Higher Ground Inc. The latest state funding will be used to pay off the loan. BHDC plans to break ground in August for Highland Woods and complete the senior housing by late 2015.

Highland Woods calls for a three-story building with two identical wings, with a central section serving as the main entrance and the common space. Amenities include a large green space and room to accommodate support services that could include a visiting nurse. Meanwhile, BHDC hopes to begin renovation of the Dalton Apartments soon after the agency closes on all the financing for that project, possibly in November, according to Ogden.

Highland Woods calls for a three-story building with two identical wings, with a central section serving as the main entrance and the common space. Amenities include a large green space and room to accommodate support services that could include a visiting nurse. Meanwhile, BHDC hopes to begin renovation of the Dalton Apartments soon after the agency closes on all the financing for that project, possibly in November, according to Ogden.

"This is great for the people who live there and great for the neighborhood," Ogden said.

Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi added in a statement, "This will be a great help in restoring a significant number of housing units in one of the city's oldest, and more substantial, complexes."

BHDC recently purchased the 44-year-old, 100-unit housing complex on April Lane thanks to a $3.6 million bridge loan from the state. The borrowing allowed the developer time to obtain the capital funds and tax credits, a portion of which will repay the loan.

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